Family Fun Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend has always been a work at the lake weekend in the past but this time it was a play at the lake weekend!  Both boys came with their families and we had a blast.  We sure do miss that Courtney and Zach in our lives.  We would love to have them join us but God knows them and is loving them for us.  Here are some fun family photos from the weekend at Lake James.  Luke and Susi brought their cool sport nautique boat and we enjoyed that along with the pontoon. 

 

We never like saying good bye!  We feel safer when our loved ones are near us so saying good bye means we have to be faithful and do our regular weekday routine until we see you again.  Playing, working, eating, hugging, boating, roasting marshmellows, taking walks, or just about anything is more fun with family than any day without them.  Families are Forever!

We learned how fragile life is on August 17th when our brother in law, aka Uncle Tim, passed away from a scuba diving accident.  We got that phone call no one ever wants to get.  We will miss you Uncle Tim.  Uncle Tim 1 or Uncle Tim 2 ? as Josh and Cate would say!  Josh & Cate loved Uncle Tim and he made their life better.  Thanks for loving us and these kiddos!  RIP Uncle Tim.

When we told Josh and Cate that Uncle Tim had passed on Jeff and I were very emotional.  We could hardly speak to explain what we thought the kids should hear from us.  Josh looked at us, gave us big hugs, and said "Why are you crying?  He's with Jesus!"  Thanks Josh for that reminder even though we feel the pain and loss. 
Even though I walk through the darkest valley I fear no evil because You are with me.  Psalm 23:4

I pray you know Jesus today because one thing we do know is life is a gift. 

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, blessed be your name.

                                                 lyrics by Matt Redman

 

 

 

Thanks for reading the blog and praying for us.

Choosing joy,

Chris & crew

Summer ends and School begins 2014

Our summer vacation this summer consisted of a week at Myrtle Beach.  About 25 years ago we took our older 3 kids to Myrtle Beach and had a great time playing in the waves.  We thought it would be something Josh and Cate would enjoy too.  We were blessed to have our son Nick and wife Autumn plus 2 yr old Nolan join us.  Jeff and I flew with Josh and Cate while Nick's family made the 14 hour trip by car.  Here are some fun pictures to enjoy from the trip.

We also had a fun lunch with Grandma Joan, Uncle Tim and Aunt Dawn once we were back in Indiana!

We had a day-cation by going to the lake and then a Tin Caps game here in Fort Wayne.  Raytheon has a suite and they are kind enough to share it with us.  Josh's friend Ben went with us.

We had a another fun ta Grandma Carol's lake cottage with oldest son Luke and wife, Susi plus 6 week old Konrad.  Did you know they made life jackets for 6 week olds?  Konrad just went with the flow and seemed content as long as his momma was close by!

Great Grandma Joan also got to meet Konrad!

Now it is time to head back to school.  Josh is a 7th grade and Cate is a 6th grader.  They are at the same middle school so that makes logistics a little easier this year.

 The kids seem really nervous about starting school but our scripture verse this week says it all.

The Lord is my helper.  Do not be afraid.
Hebrews 13:6

Thanks for reading the blog and praying for us.
Choosing joy,
Chris & crew